Lecture:

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, each year approximately 90,000 women in the United States report rapes to law enforcement agencies and about 70,000 report attempted rapes.ⁱ For every victim who is raped and reports the crime, it is believed that an additional four to fifteen people have been raped but chose not to report. Victims are less likely to report when the offender is someone they know than when the offender is a stranger. A victim of acquaintance rape may not report the crime because she blames herself. She may also fear that her family and friends will blame her for what happened.

According to a recent study by Dr. Linda Ledray, a leading expert on sexual assault, the primary reason victims of sexual assault did not report the incident to law enforcement was fear of the offender. In her study, 76% of the offenders told the victim during the rape that he would come back and kill her, rape her again, or rape her mother, sister, or child if she told anyone.ⁱⁱ

It is important that those who provide support to victims of sexual assault accept that sexual assault is never the victim’s fault – even if she used alcohol with the offender, dressed in a manner that some would consider provocative, or was out late at night. Many victims “freeze” when someone threatens to hurt or kill them. They may want to fight, run, scream or do something to stop it, but they cannot. Whatever a victim does to save her life during a sexual assault is the right choice – even if it means submitting to the demands of her attacker.

Definitions

The words used to describe sexual violence can be confusing. “Rape” and “sexual assault” are generally used when speaking of unwanted sexual contact between two or more adults, regardless of sex or marital status, with or without penetration, and with or without resulting physical injury. The assault may involve vaginal, oral, and/or anal contact.

“Sexual abuse” is generally used when the victim is a child and the perpetrator is an adolescent or adult relative, caretaker, or other person with authority over the child (teacher, coach, babysitter, for example).

Legal definitions of rape, sexual assault, and sexual abuse vary from state to state. Distinctions between types of sexual assault are generally made based upon the degree of force. The term “rape” is no longer uniformly used as a legal term. Advanced sexual assault statutes consider rape as gender neutral, include forms of sexual penetration using sources including but not limited to a male genital and include penetration of areas including but not limited to the female vagina. Rape statutes also include sexual contact with incapacitated victims such as the elderly, the disabled, the mentally ill, and those under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

The following definitions from the Federal Criminal Code (Title 18, chapter 109A, Sections 2241-2333) are offered for informational purposes. Persons providing support to victims should become familiar with sexual assault statutes in their own state.

a. Sexual Abuse is causing another person to engage in sexual activity by threatening or placing that person in fear; or engaging in a sexual act if that person is incapable of declining participation in or of communicating unwillingness to engage in that sexual act.

b. Abusive Sexual Contact is the intentional touching of the genitals, anus, groin, breast, inner thigh, or buttocks of any person with the intent to abuse, humiliate, harass, degrade, or arouse or gratify the sexual pleasure of any person. This category does not require penetration.

c. Aggravated Sexual Abuse by Force or Threat of Force is knowingly causing another person to engage in a sexual act or attempting to do so by using force against that person, or by threatening or placing that person in fear that the person will be subjected to death, serious bodily injury or kidnapping. (This definition was previously called Forcible Rape.)

d. Marital Rape, generally defined as sexual assault of a spouse, is a crime in all 50 states. It is commonly used when the offender is
married to or is separated from but not yet divorced from the victim
and uses a weapon or causes her serious bodily harm during the
sexual act. Since the enactment of marital rape laws, research reveals that more women are raped by their husbands each year than by strangers, acquaintances, or other persons. More than one third of the women in battered women's shelters report being sexually assaulted by their husbands.

e. Acquaintance Rape is now commonly charged when a friend or date perpetrates the sexual assault.

1. Nearly three out of four adolescents who report sexual assaults say they know the offender well.ⁱⁱⁱ

2. A common contemporary means of committing date rape is to sedate the unwitting victim. These drugs come in many forms including powder, pills, and liquid and are colorless, odorless, and tasteless. They are slipped into the victim’s beverage and cause her to feel and appear intoxicated, followed by loss of consciousness. It is during this unconscious state that is assault is perpetrated. The victim does not remember the assault specifically when she awakens. These drugs have many street names, but common ones include “Mickey Finns,” ”Roofies,” and “Special K.” Detection of these drugs is possible only with a urine sample within 72 hours.

The following definitions are found in the Colorado Revised Statutes (18-3-401) and are related to the crime of sexual violence:

Abuse or child abuse or neglect: an act or omission in one of the following categories that threatens the health or welfare of a child: (1) physical injury; (2) unlawful sexual behavior; (3) general neglect of basic necessities of life; and (4) emotional abuse.

Unlawful sexual contact: an actor who knowingly subjects a victim to any sexual contact commits unlawful sexual contact if: (1) the actor knows that the victim does not consent; (2) the actor knows that the victim is incapable of appraising the nature of the actor’s conduct; (3) the victim is physically helpless and the actor knows that the victim is physically helpless and the victim has not consented; or (4) the actor has substantially impaired the victim’s power to appraise or control the victim’s conduct by employing, without the victim’s consent, any drug, intoxicant, or other means for the purpose of causing submission.

Sexual assault: Knowing infliction of sexual intrusion or sexual penetration on a victim.

Sexual assault on a child: Any actor who knowingly subjects another not his or her spouse to any sexual contact commits sexual assault on a child if the victim is less than 15 years of age and the actor is at least four years older than the victim.

Sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust: Any actor who knowingly subjects another not his or her spouse to any sexual contact commits sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust if the victim is a child less than 18 years of age and the actor committing the offense is one in a position of trust with respect to the victim.

Position of trust: includes, but is not limited to, any person who is a parent or acting in the place of a parent and charged with any of a parent’s rights, duties, or responsibilities concerning a child, including a guardian or someone otherwise responsible for the general supervision of a child’s welfare, or a person who is charged with any duty or responsibilities for the health, education, welfare, or supervision or a child, including foster care, child care, family care, or institutional care, either independently or through another, no matter how brief, at the time of the unlawful act.

Sexual Assault Perpetrators

According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, about 80% of sexual perpetrators are males whose motivation is not sexual gratification but rather to gain power and control. In fact, 95% of convicted offenders are married and 50% to 75% of them know their victims.^iv Low self esteem and deep feelings of inadequacy, coupled with a form of sexual deviation, usually manifest in a desire to sexually assault another individual. Rapists usually decide to rape before they decide who they are going to rape. These offenders usually select victims randomly on the basis of availability. Many perpetrators were physically or sexually abused as children and sexual offenders are often mainstream and respected members of the community.

Successful treatment of sex offenders is rare. Most treatment programs require that the offender take full responsibility for the sexual assault by (a) expressing remorse, (b) acknowledging that he – not the victim – was completely at fault, (c) committing that he will not do it again, and (d) continuing therapy or support programs.

Physical and Emotional Injury

Physical injury resulting from rape is relatively rare, and can be seen with the naked eye in only 10% to 30% of the cases. Injury is more common in stranger rape than acquaintance rape, in male victims than female victims, and among the elderly. If, however, the victim is able to be examined colposcopically (magnified vaginal exam) within 49 to 72 hours, genital trauma such as vaginal abrasions, bruises, and tears can be identified in 80% to 90% of rape victims.

The risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease, HIV or AIDS, or pregnancy is relatively low. However, it is these fears that often bring a victim to the emergency room.

Rape victims report significantly more anxiety, fear, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder than non-victims. A large study of sexual assault victims^v found that about one-third of sexual assault victims developed post-traumatic stress disorder, and about one-third experienced at least one major depressive episode. Sexual assault victims were found to be four times more likely than non-victims to have considered suicide, and 13 times more likely to have made a suicide attempt. Common symptoms include difficulty sleeping, feeling worthless, inability to concentrate, lack of interest in pleasurable things (including sex), flashbacks, feelings of disconnectedness from others, irritability, and weight loss or gain. Symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD can overlap.

The same study found that alcohol and other drug use increased significantly after a sexual assault, even for women with no prior drug or alcohol use history. The research concluded that sexual assault plays a significant role in initiating and maintaining substance abuse in women, with younger women at greatest risk.

Spiritual Impact

Not all victims of sexual assault experience negative spiritual repercussions. In fact, one study^vi found that out of 120 victims of sexual assault, the spirituality of about two-thirds remained unchanged. Of those who reported change, about 17% reported becoming less religious and about 14% reported becoming more religious. Some survivors conclude that God is the only constant in their lives when everything else is in turmoil, and others find that a deepening of their personal faith reduces anxiety and makes life more meaningful. On the other hand, some victims wonder why they were “chosen,” if God was punishing or testing them, or if they were at fault.

Some victims who have a strong faith may conclude that if they adequately performed the mandates of their religion, lived virtuously, prayed regularly, and attended services often, God would protect them from evil. However, since they were not protected in this case, they may need to rethink their entire theology about the providence of God.

Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a complex issue for sexual assault survivors. It is difficult to forgive a person who has perpetrated a violent crime. It is especially difficult if the perpetrator never expresses regret or remorse. Victims and survivors need to have control over if, when, and how they choose to forgive.

Theological Issues

The life of a clergy person is governed by both civil and canonical law as well as guided by the vision provided by the Scriptures. According to Marie Fortune, most religious traditions have failed to confront the issue of sexual violence. Fortune states that “much of the distortion about the nature of sexual violence and the treatment of victims is rooted in the Bible.”^vii

Theological References

1. Old Testament Teachings

The patriarchal perspective in the time when Hebrew Scriptures (commonly called the “Old” Testament by Christians) were written frames the dialogue and beliefs of the time. Because of the underclass status of women and children who were considered property of the head of the household, sexual violence was viewed as the right of ownership. This perspective makes it more understandable that the Biblical references to sexual abuse in the Old Testament do not illustrate compassion toward the victim, but rather, insensitivity.^viii Even during Old Testament times, however, sexual violence was not condoned.

It is important to recognize that there are some who will rely upon the Old Testament teachings about “property” as a justification for behavior toward women which objectifies them and disregards their importance. While most of the modern world no longer regards women and children as property, individuals and, in some cases, entire cultures, still do.

Some illustrations of the patriarchal view found in the Scriptures might be helpful in understanding different perspectives.

The Rape of Dinah ( Genesis 34: 1-29)
This story details the conflict between the families of Jacob and Hamor. While Dinah was visiting “the women of the land,” Shechem, son of Hamor, saw Dinah, “seized her and lay with her and humbled her.” When Dinah’s brothers learn of the sexual attack, they respond by killing all the males in Hamor’s city. Today, society would describe the sexual attack on Dinah as a rape. Although there is no discussion of Dinah as the victim, this story does provide an example of an ineffective and destructive response to sexual violence – acts of revenge. As discussed later, revenge does not address the underlying cause of the violence or assist in the healing of the victim.

Joseph and Potiphar’s Wife (Genesis 39:1-23)
Joseph, a servant to Potiphar, was responsible for Potiphar’s household. Joseph was asked by Potiphar’s wife to “lie with her” and he declined, stating that it would be a sin against God and a betrayal of Potiphar. Despite her persistence, Joseph did not submit to her. Angry, Potiphar’s wife told Potiphar that Joseph had approached her in such a way as to (sexually) assault her. Potiphar responded by putting Joseph in prison, but, even then, the Lord was with Joseph. While imprisoned, Joseph was placed in charge of the prisoners. The chief jailer saw that the Lord was with Joseph and deferred to Joseph in decision-making. This story illustrates the difficulty in determining the accuracy of statements made by victims; special care needs be taken to assure accuracy and to avoid accusations colored by emotion and vengeance.

Legislative Prohibitions - Leviticus (18: 6-30)
These passages specifically address the legislative prohibitions regarding sexual activity imbedded in the early Hebrew culture. The prohibitions specifically prohibit sexual contact between persons already related by blood since that would amount to “union with one’s own flesh.” Similarly, reference is made to a prohibition of man to have sexual contact with the daughter or granddaughter of a woman with whom that the man has been. Both of these passages suggest that incest was prohibited conduct, the penalty of which was childlessness.

2. New Testament Teachings

The New Testament does not address sexual violence directly, but does speak to the consequences associated with, and ethical responses to, sexual violence. The parable of the widow (Luke 18: 1-8) acknowledges women as persons in their own right, rather than the property of another. In that story, the judge honors the widow’s request of him to “avenge me of mine adversary.” By acknowledging and honoring the woman’s request, we are assured that Jesus hears the needs of all (male or female) and comes to the aid of those who cry out.

Finally, the New Testament calls attention to the notion that the thought or desire behind the act is as important as the act itself.^ix

How Faith Leaders Can Help

Victims

In the immediate aftermath of a rape, victims may choose to contact their faith leaders. The immediate role of the support person is to ensure the victim’s immediate safety and medical needs.

• Obtain support from a local rape crisis program. Trained counselors know how to talk with and support a victim. They will accompany her to the hospital or police station.
  

Law enforcement will need to collect evidence from the crime scene such as clothing, sheets, and blankets. Physical evidence containing the offender’s DNA is usually gone after 24 to 36 hours. Victims should not wash, douche or change clothes until all evidence has been collected. If a victim does not get a medical exam immediately following an assault, a colposcopic exam can still identify physical damage for up to six weeks after the incident.

Once the initial crisis is over, victims may feel they are “going crazy” because they feel depressed and are experiencing unfamiliar reactions. Support persons with expertise in sexual violence can help victims to normalize trauma reactions immediately as well as months following an assault. Local Rape Crisis Programs or Women’s Centers can offer critical support for victims, so faith leaders with no or limited experience should not attempt to minister to these victims alone.

Offenders

The treatment of sex offenders demands specialized training and should be conducted by professionals who have expertise and certification in offender treatment. Even these professionals have very low success rates with sex offenders, so it is not advised that untrained faith leaders attempt treatment with them.

Role of the Faith Community

____________________
ⁱ Bureau of Justice Statistics. National Crime Victimization Survey: Crime Victimization, 2002. U.S. Department of Justice; Washington, D.C., 2003.
ⁱⁱLedray, L. Recovering from Rape, 2nd Ed. Owl Books; New York, 1994.
ⁱⁱⁱKilpatrick, D. H. and Saunders, B. “Youth Victimization: Prevalence and Implications.” National Institute of Justice; Washington, D.C., April 2003. (See at www.ncjrs.org )
^ivBureau of Justice Statistics. Rape and Sexual Assault: Reporting to Police and Medical Attention, 1992-2000. U.S. Department of Justice; Washington, D.C., 2002.
^vKilpatrick, D.G., C. Edmunds, and A. Seymour. Rape in America: A Report to the Nation. National Center for Victims of Crime; Arlington, VA and Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center; Charleston, SC, 1992.
^viFalsetti, S.A., P.A. Resick, and J.L Davis. “changes in Religious Beliefs Following Trauma,” Journal of Traumatic Stress, 16,4, August 2003.
^viiFortune, Marie, Sexual Violence: The Unmentionable Sin
^viiiCarlson, Lee W., Child Sexual Abuse, Judson Press, Valley Forge, PA, 1988, p. 29
^ixMatthew 5:28; I Corinthians 5: 2, 5; Augustine supports this interpretation, stating that “the evil of lust, a name which is given too many vices, but is properly attributable to violent sexual appetite …”
^xEncyclopedia of Witchcraft and Demonology, S.V. Malleus Maleficarum, Rossell Hope Robbins, (New York: Crown Publishing, Inc. 1959), pp. 337-40.
^xi Azor, Juan, Institutiones Morales,(c. early 17th century)
^xiiKosnik, Anthony, et al, Human Sexuality, (New York: Paulist Press, 1977), pp. 43-44.
^xiiiPiper, Otto A., The Biblical View of Sex and Marriage (New York: Charles Scribner’s Sons, 160), p.62.
^xivNoonan, John T., “Genital Good,” Communio, vol. VIII (fall 1981) pp. 200-1
^xvNelson, James, Embodiment, (Minneapolis, Augsburg Publishing House, 1978), p.262.
^xviBaker’s Dictionary of Christian Ethics, Carl F. H. Henry, ed. (Grand Rapids, Mi: Baker Book House, 1973) p. 565.
^xviiThe Dictionary of Moral Theology, (Westminster, Md,: Newman Press, 1962) pp. 1017-18.
^xviiiFortune, Sexual Violence, pp. 69-70
^xixFortune, Sexual Violence, pp. 78; Augustine, City of God, (London: Oxford University Press, 1963), p.16.